Demarai Gray started a Premier League match for just the 12th time as Leicester beat Everton... but his brilliant performance suggests we'll see more of him under Claude Puel

  • Demarai Gray started only the 12th Premier League match of his career as Leicester City beat Everton 2-0 on Sunday
  • The 21-year-old produced an electric performance to impress Claude Puel
  • He was awarded the second goal despite awful Jonjoe Kenny mis-kick 
  • The new Leicester manager will surely play Gray more in the future
  • Puel is known for his track record of bringing on exciting young players 

For a player of such evident ability it is a curious statistic that Demarai Gray's destructive performance against Everton was only the 12th Premier League start of his career.

Having signed for Leicester in January 2016 it equates to around one every seven weeks, which is difficult to align with how forcefully he impacted Sunday's 2-0 victory, not to mention his club's various periods of trouble in that time.

Gray has certainly been alert to the numbers, not shying away from expressing his frustrations when asked for opinion after previously impressive displays. 

Demarai Gray celebrates scoring Leicester's second goal against Everton on Sunday

Demarai Gray celebrates scoring Leicester's second goal against Everton on Sunday

The goal was the high point of an electric performance by the 21-year-old on a rare start

The goal was the high point of an electric performance by the 21-year-old on a rare start

Gray's performance on Sunday will give new manager Claude Puel plenty to think about

Gray's performance on Sunday will give new manager Claude Puel plenty to think about

The 21-year-old Brummie is articulate and honest. Headstrong too, which is one of the reasons why he has not yet signed a new contract at the King Power Stadium.


Gray knows that at his age, having been at a top-flight club for some 22 months, regular first-team football is essential. 

So Claude Puel's decision to pick Gray in his very first game is a significant indicator of how the future should pan out for both manager and player.

Having only been afforded two sessions with his players, Puel could have taken the simpler option to stick with the team that beat Swansea in Michael Appleton's match in charge. 

But his selection of Gray, as well as 20-year-old Ben Chilwell, seemed a very deliberate flag in the ground for his faith in youth, which would be a continuation of his work at Southampton last season, and before that Nice and Lyon.

Gray rarely starts matches for Leicester and has made 39 Premier League appearances from the bench during his time with the club

Gray rarely starts matches for Leicester and has made 39 Premier League appearances from the bench during his time with the club

Gray does well to keep the ball in at the byline during Leicester's win over Everton 

Gray does well to keep the ball in at the byline during Leicester's win over Everton 

Having made 39 Premier League appearances off the bench, it seems certain that Gray will start more frequently from now, so thrilling was his contribution against Everton.

In instructions before the game, Puel told Gray to be disciplined but also to enjoy himself and the smile that spread across his face following his assist for the opening goal told of that.

Gray slalomed 85 yards in 10 seconds, from the edge of his own box deep into opposition territory, past Tom Davies, Idrissa Gueye, and Wayne Rooney, before picking the right pass with perfect weight to Riyad Mahrez. 

Jamie Vardy was the ultimate beneficiary but as someone who runs selflessly for Leicester he will have fully appreciated Gray's catalytic effect.

Sometimes Gray has been criticised for failing to get his head up and that has been a factor in Claudio Ranieri then Craig Shakespeare keeping faith in Marc Albrighton. 

The Englishman isn't afraid to run at and take on opponents, as Everton found out on Sunday

The Englishman isn't afraid to run at and take on opponents, as Everton found out on Sunday

Gray pictured during Leicester's 3-1 win over Leeds United in the Carabao Cup last week

Gray pictured during Leicester's 3-1 win over Leeds United in the Carabao Cup last week

Albrighton lacks Gray's pace and creative flair but is in tune with his teammates and as a key member of the title-winning team – who maintained his high work–rate – he has been difficult to drop.

But Gray brings qualities that will pose more problems for more defenders. His speed in open space is fearsome while he also has poise and technique when crowded. 

And he can shoot from range. His goal against Everton owed a big debt to Jonjoe Kenny but he has a collection of other strikes that flew in unaided.

There were two goals for England under-21s at this summer's European Championships and should Puel and Gray continue where they have started a senior call-up will be next on the agenda.

Gareth Southgate gave Gray his England Under-21 debut in March 2016 and was impressed after a goal-assisting run. 

'He was a threat all night,' Southgate said then. 'The work he did at the goal was exceptional but he also put a real shift in for the team and did his work off the ball.'

Gray celebrates his third goal for Leicester City, against Everton at the King Power Stadium

Gray celebrates his third goal for Leicester City, against Everton at the King Power Stadium

Gray has worked on his defensive duties, increasing his athleticism in the gym, and in stoppage time against Everton he sprinted across the pitch block a clearance. 

That holistic approach would convince Southgate to try out Gray in friendlies before next year's World Cup.

There are few other English players out there with Gray's exhilarating potential and it is clear in his words and actions he has the mental strength we sometimes bemoan as lacking in our internationals.

That was evidenced this summer when, dissatisfied with his playing time, Gray switched agents. He is now represented by Kenny Brady and Luca Bascherini, who between them also look after the interests of Danny Simpson and Kasper Schmeichel among others.

Leicester rejected a bid of £25million from Bournemouth and refused to encourage Tottenham's significant interest, instead offering Gray fresh terms. 

His current contract does not run out until 2020 but Leicester appreciate his talent and are presenting a significant pay rise as well as extension. 

Talks are progressing well. Puel, and Southgate, will hope Gray keeps on progressing well himself.

 

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